A rambling melange of pop-culture.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Friday, March 05, 2010
Kindergartener Suspended for Making "Gun" with Hands
A six-year old kindergartener in Michigan was suspended for making a "gun" with this hands and "aiming" it at other students. School authorities say the actions made other students "uncomfortable" and the child had been warned about such behavior previously.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Shatner Presents Man o' War #2
William Shatner's Man o' War #2
In the second issue of William Shatner’s Man O’ War, diplomat Benton Hawkes is fighting mad and on his way to Mars. Someone is tampering with his life, and he’s determined to stop them. He just may be able to - if he can stop the shipful of pirates out to kill him, that is.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Dr. Drew's Alleged Stalker Arrested
California Authorities say they arrested a 33-year old man suspected of stalking Dr. Drew Pinski yesterday, after Dr. Drew notified them of threats against himself and his family. Charles Pearson made threatening comments toward Pinksi and his family online, then showed-up at a Los Angeles radio station. Records do not indicate whether or not Pearson has a lawyer, but show that he is being held on $150,000 bail.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Betsy Gomez Takes Over Image PR
Berkeley, CA – 4 March 2010 – Image Comics announces the expansion of its marketing and sales team. To help provide the most entertaining and original comic books on the market and further meet the needs of creators, retailers and readers, this reorganization includes new hire Betsy Gomez and a different focus for former PR and Marketing Coordinator Joe Keatinge.
Betsy Gomez will take over the position of PR and Marketing Coordinator. With more than 15 years of convention experience and 10 years of publishing experience, Gomez will assume responsibility for Image's publicity, marketing and convention planning. Joe Keatinge will take on the new role of Image Comics' Sales and Licensing Coordinator, focusing more specifically on direct and book market sales as well as Image's foreign licensing.
"As Image Comics continues to grow, we have reorganized our marketing and sales staff to better facilitate our needs," Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson said. "Having someone with Betsy's extensive convention and publishing experience is a bonus. I look forward to working with her to make Image Comics even more successful!"
"I can't reiterate enough how excited I am to be working for Image Comics!" exclaimed Gomez. "I'm thrilled to be part of the Image team! Image publishes some of my favorite comic books, and the chance to work for this remarkable company is phenomenal!"
Joe Keatinge added, "Having worked with Image for five years now, I highly anticipate this next step in the company's growth. While I'm excited for my new role, I am especially ecstatic to have Betsy on board. Her wealth of experience makes her an extremely valued addition to the Image Comics team."
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Betsy Gomez will take over the position of PR and Marketing Coordinator. With more than 15 years of convention experience and 10 years of publishing experience, Gomez will assume responsibility for Image's publicity, marketing and convention planning. Joe Keatinge will take on the new role of Image Comics' Sales and Licensing Coordinator, focusing more specifically on direct and book market sales as well as Image's foreign licensing.
"As Image Comics continues to grow, we have reorganized our marketing and sales staff to better facilitate our needs," Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson said. "Having someone with Betsy's extensive convention and publishing experience is a bonus. I look forward to working with her to make Image Comics even more successful!"
"I can't reiterate enough how excited I am to be working for Image Comics!" exclaimed Gomez. "I'm thrilled to be part of the Image team! Image publishes some of my favorite comic books, and the chance to work for this remarkable company is phenomenal!"
Joe Keatinge added, "Having worked with Image for five years now, I highly anticipate this next step in the company's growth. While I'm excited for my new role, I am especially ecstatic to have Betsy on board. Her wealth of experience makes her an extremely valued addition to the Image Comics team."
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Smallville Renewed for 10th Season
Smallville will return for a tenth season, shocking even me! Basically everyone was resigned to the fact that this was Smallville's final season, even though none of the actors had said as much. It isn';t that Smallville is any worse - in fact, it's found a renewed vigor the past few years - but nine years is a phenomenal run and many of the original actors have already left the show.
Smallville joins five other CW hits whose renewal has already been announced, including the best show on TV, Supernatural. The other four are 90210, Gossip Girl, America's Next Top Model, and The Vampire Diaries. Few shows run 10 seasons or more, and almost one are non-syndicated, primetime, network shows.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Smallville joins five other CW hits whose renewal has already been announced, including the best show on TV, Supernatural. The other four are 90210, Gossip Girl, America's Next Top Model, and The Vampire Diaries. Few shows run 10 seasons or more, and almost one are non-syndicated, primetime, network shows.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Dark Horse Donates 5000 Copies of Mass Effect: Redemption to Troops Overseas
MARCH 3RD , MILWAUKIE, OR – In conjunction with the release of the third explosive issue of Mass Effect: Redemption, Dark Horse Comics announced today that they will be donating 5,000 copies of the first issue of this popular series, which has sold out across the country, to U.S. Armed Forces troops around the world.
Dark Horse will work with Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) to ensure that these issues of Mass Effect: Redemption make it into the hands of the men and women serving in the U.S. military throughout the world. Every year publishers’ donations of Free Comic Book Day issues are sent to troops via PMG, this time the annual payload will be stocked with thousands of issues of Mass Effect: Redemption #1 for America’s fighting men and women. Copies will make their way to military personnel stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as at bases in Europe and the Far East.
Mass Effect: Redemption tells the exciting back-story that led up to the events of Mass Effect 2, the recently released video game developed by the award-winning creative team at BioWare. The game’s lead writer, Mac Walters, takes up the pen to give fans exclusive insight into the events that unfolded between the conclusion of the original Mass Effect, and the beginning of Mass Effect 2. Scripted by John Jackson Miller (Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, The Invincible Iron Man) and drawn by Omar Francia (Star Wars Legacy), this four-part series explores the exotic and dangerous future Milky Way of Mass Effect, revealing previously unseen locations, aliens, and enemies of this rich science-fiction landscape.
The Mass Effect trilogy is an epic sci-fi adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, commanding a crew of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich futuristic storyline, stunning space exploration, and emotionally engaging characters, the game delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience. Mass Effect 2 was released on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC on January 26, 2010 in North America and January 29, 2010 in Europe and has been rated ‘M’ for Mature by the ESRB and ‘18+’ by PEGI.
For those who have yet to read the explosive comic series, both the first and second issues are currently available for download on iTunes for just 99 cents each.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Dark Horse will work with Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) to ensure that these issues of Mass Effect: Redemption make it into the hands of the men and women serving in the U.S. military throughout the world. Every year publishers’ donations of Free Comic Book Day issues are sent to troops via PMG, this time the annual payload will be stocked with thousands of issues of Mass Effect: Redemption #1 for America’s fighting men and women. Copies will make their way to military personnel stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as at bases in Europe and the Far East.
Mass Effect: Redemption tells the exciting back-story that led up to the events of Mass Effect 2, the recently released video game developed by the award-winning creative team at BioWare. The game’s lead writer, Mac Walters, takes up the pen to give fans exclusive insight into the events that unfolded between the conclusion of the original Mass Effect, and the beginning of Mass Effect 2. Scripted by John Jackson Miller (Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, The Invincible Iron Man) and drawn by Omar Francia (Star Wars Legacy), this four-part series explores the exotic and dangerous future Milky Way of Mass Effect, revealing previously unseen locations, aliens, and enemies of this rich science-fiction landscape.
The Mass Effect trilogy is an epic sci-fi adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, commanding a crew of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich futuristic storyline, stunning space exploration, and emotionally engaging characters, the game delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience. Mass Effect 2 was released on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC on January 26, 2010 in North America and January 29, 2010 in Europe and has been rated ‘M’ for Mature by the ESRB and ‘18+’ by PEGI.
For those who have yet to read the explosive comic series, both the first and second issues are currently available for download on iTunes for just 99 cents each.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Stephen King's N - On Sale Now! (2010)
A terrifying evil stands ready to consumer reality as we know it and the truth is unearthed in Stephen King’s N. #1 (of 4), on-sale now! This new graphic fiction adaptation of the bestselling author’s chilling short story in his recently-released collection, Just After Sunset, reunites the blockbuster creative team of Marc Guggenheim and Alex Maleev, also responsible for the red-hot Stephen King’s N. Motion Comic. A bizarre arrangement of eight stones in Ackerman’s Field keeps a nightmare contained, but when - in the eye of an unfortunate beholder - the eight stones become seven, the fabric of what we think is real begins to shred, and an unbearable doom seizes the mind."After the thrill of working on the N. motion comic, I am ecstatic to see Alex expand his eye-catching art and moving storytelling in this miniseries,” said Ruwan Jayatilleke, Marvel Senior Vice President, Development & Planning, Print, Animation, and Digital Media. “The story will be creepy chilling entertainment for King fans and comic book fanatics alike!"
It’s the graphic fiction adaptation demanded by fans all over the world and it’s on sale now! Get your copy of Stephen King’s N. at comic shops today - no horror fan can afford to miss this alarming tale!
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Marvel Comics In-Stores Today (March 3, 2010)
Here we are guys, your Rundown of Marvel Comics in-stores and on-shelves today, March 3rd, 2010:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #623
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #623 JUSKO VARIANT
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #623 QUINONES VARIANT
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #32 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (S)
CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #6 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
DAFFODIL #3
DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #895
FALL OF THE HULKS: THE SAVAGE SHE-HULKS #1
FALL OF THE HULKS: THE SAVAGE SHE-HULKS #1 WOMEN OF MARVEL VARIANT
GIRL COMICS #1
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #24
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN MGC #1
MIGHTY AVENGERS #34
MIGHTY AVENGERS #34 DEADPOOL VARIANT
PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS #1
PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS #1 MCGUINNESS VARIANT
PUNISHER MAX: BUTTERFLY #1
REALM OF KINGS SON OF HULK #2
SPIDER-MAN MAGAZINE #10
SPIDER-MAN NOIR: EYES WITHOUT A FACE #4
SPIDER-MAN NOIR: EYES WITHOUT A FACE #4 CALERO VARIANT
STEPHEN KING'S N. #1
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #5
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 GATEFOLD COVER
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 VILLAIN VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 FOILOGRAM VARIANT
WOLVERINE WEAPON X #11
X-MEN NOIR: MARK OF CAIN #4
X-MEN NOIR: MARK OF CAIN #4 CALERO VARIANT
X-MEN: HOPE #1
Collections On-Sale:
BLACK WIDOW: DEADLY ORIGIN PREMIERE HC
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN VOL. 1 HC
IRON MAN: ARMOR WARS TPB (NEW PRINTING)
IRON MAN: DEMON IN A BOTTLE TPB (NEW PRINTING)
NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION TPB
SPIDER-MAN: AMERICAN SON TPB
STARR THE SLAYER: A STARR IS BORN TPB
STRANGE TALES HC
X-MEN FOREVER VOL. 2: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE SENTINELS TPB
---
*FOTHS = Fall of The Hulks tie-in
*GNTLT = Amazing Spider-Man: The Gauntlet tie-in
*S = SIEGE tie-in
*XN = X-Necrosha tie-in
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #623
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #623 JUSKO VARIANT
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #623 QUINONES VARIANT
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #32 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (S)
CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #6 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
DAFFODIL #3
DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #895
FALL OF THE HULKS: THE SAVAGE SHE-HULKS #1
FALL OF THE HULKS: THE SAVAGE SHE-HULKS #1 WOMEN OF MARVEL VARIANT
GIRL COMICS #1
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #24
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN MGC #1
MIGHTY AVENGERS #34
MIGHTY AVENGERS #34 DEADPOOL VARIANT
PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS #1
PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS #1 MCGUINNESS VARIANT
PUNISHER MAX: BUTTERFLY #1
REALM OF KINGS SON OF HULK #2
SPIDER-MAN MAGAZINE #10
SPIDER-MAN NOIR: EYES WITHOUT A FACE #4
SPIDER-MAN NOIR: EYES WITHOUT A FACE #4 CALERO VARIANT
STEPHEN KING'S N. #1
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #5
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 GATEFOLD COVER
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 VILLAIN VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 FOILOGRAM VARIANT
WOLVERINE WEAPON X #11
X-MEN NOIR: MARK OF CAIN #4
X-MEN NOIR: MARK OF CAIN #4 CALERO VARIANT
X-MEN: HOPE #1
Collections On-Sale:
BLACK WIDOW: DEADLY ORIGIN PREMIERE HC
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN VOL. 1 HC
IRON MAN: ARMOR WARS TPB (NEW PRINTING)
IRON MAN: DEMON IN A BOTTLE TPB (NEW PRINTING)
NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION TPB
SPIDER-MAN: AMERICAN SON TPB
STARR THE SLAYER: A STARR IS BORN TPB
STRANGE TALES HC
X-MEN FOREVER VOL. 2: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE SENTINELS TPB
---
*FOTHS = Fall of The Hulks tie-in
*GNTLT = Amazing Spider-Man: The Gauntlet tie-in
*S = SIEGE tie-in
*XN = X-Necrosha tie-in
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Horror from Afar
One of the funnest things about the Interw3bz, and blogs in particular, is coming across someone's meandering little thought process burning brilliantly. This collection of "Distant Horrors" images taken from 10 classic horror flicks is just such a find.
While a total and unabashed gorehound, I don't find the basic mad-slasher flick particularly scary, or even unnerving; familiarity is part of it, suspension-of-disbelief in the face of what is basically accepted (celebrated) triteness is another, but whatever the case may be, the subtle always strikes a deeper chord with me, and I'm not alone. Several of these stills are truly chilling on their own and I thought y'all would enjoy this post as much as I did.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
While a total and unabashed gorehound, I don't find the basic mad-slasher flick particularly scary, or even unnerving; familiarity is part of it, suspension-of-disbelief in the face of what is basically accepted (celebrated) triteness is another, but whatever the case may be, the subtle always strikes a deeper chord with me, and I'm not alone. Several of these stills are truly chilling on their own and I thought y'all would enjoy this post as much as I did.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Logan's Run #3
Logan's Run: Last Day #3
On the run, Logan and Jessica make their way into the depths of Cathedral, a ruined part of the Los Angeles Complex and first stop en route to Sanctuary. But Cathedral is also home of the Cubs, ruthless gangs of kids with only murder on their minds. With ex-partner Francis and Gant hot on their trail, Logan and Jessica’s flight to freedom may end, before it even starts.
On the run, Logan and Jessica make their way into the depths of Cathedral, a ruined part of the Los Angeles Complex and first stop en route to Sanctuary. But Cathedral is also home of the Cubs, ruthless gangs of kids with only murder on their minds. With ex-partner Francis and Gant hot on their trail, Logan and Jessica’s flight to freedom may end, before it even starts.
Dustin Hoffman Bringing Luck to HBO
Dustin Hoffman makes his TV series debut in HBO's upcoming Luck, centered around a horse racing track. The gambling/racing show also stars Dennis Farina and is written by Michael Mich (NYPD Blue). Michael Mann (Miami Vice) will direct. Filming is set to start this Spring.
Luck sees Hoffman's character teaming-up with Farina's, as well as another guy played by John Ortiz, to run the racetrack after getting out of a four-year prison stint. Hoffman's Ace Bernstein is described as an intelligent, intuitive, and tough guy who has always been involved in gambling in one aspect or another - from bookmaking to money-laundering to casinos.
Dennis Hoffman has not done TV in 40 years. His next silver screen appearance is in the Meet the Fokkers sequel, Little Fokkers. Little Fokkers (working title) hits theaters on December 22nd.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Luck sees Hoffman's character teaming-up with Farina's, as well as another guy played by John Ortiz, to run the racetrack after getting out of a four-year prison stint. Hoffman's Ace Bernstein is described as an intelligent, intuitive, and tough guy who has always been involved in gambling in one aspect or another - from bookmaking to money-laundering to casinos.
Dennis Hoffman has not done TV in 40 years. His next silver screen appearance is in the Meet the Fokkers sequel, Little Fokkers. Little Fokkers (working title) hits theaters on December 22nd.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Legend of Isis #11 - This Month from Bluewater!
 |
| Legend of Isis #11 |
It's guest stars galore as Artemis and Valkrie join Isis in her battle against the deranged Medusa on the streets of LA! Meanwhile, Detective Gleason deals with the ramifications of spending time as a statue and Scott's relationship with Crystal hits a wall when Isis shows her true feelings for him. And just what exactly is Dr. Love up to?
Available this month from Bluewater.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Monday, March 01, 2010
TLC Refuses to Extend Miss America Contract
The Miss America pageant will not return to cable network, TLC, despite last year's ratings, which were the highest ever for the 89-year old contest on cable TV. The Miss America pageant ran for three years on the network, but the contract was not extended today. The network did not say why it chose not to renew the contract, though it may have to do with controversy surrounding Christian-based comments promoting hatred toward homosexuals which have surrounded the pageant in the last few years.
Carrie Prejean stated she did not believe in gay marriage, based on her "conservative" Christian beliefs, which she then said cost her the competition. More recently, Lauren Ashley - who claimed to represent Beverly Hills - said gays should be put to death. Representatives from Beverly Hills were quick to denounce Ashley's comments and point-out that have no association with any beauty pageant and Ashley was not a representative of their town.
Sam Haskell, the chairman of The Miss America Organization, said TLC had told them they were not renewing the contract back on January 30th, though. Haskell claims the network had wanted a new, two-year, contract for less money. Haskell also said he would find another network for the pageant and that at least four other networks had already expressed interest in airing the show.
Reports do not mention the Christian hatemongering, suggesting instead that low ratings were the cause of the dispute.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Carrie Prejean stated she did not believe in gay marriage, based on her "conservative" Christian beliefs, which she then said cost her the competition. More recently, Lauren Ashley - who claimed to represent Beverly Hills - said gays should be put to death. Representatives from Beverly Hills were quick to denounce Ashley's comments and point-out that have no association with any beauty pageant and Ashley was not a representative of their town.
Sam Haskell, the chairman of The Miss America Organization, said TLC had told them they were not renewing the contract back on January 30th, though. Haskell claims the network had wanted a new, two-year, contract for less money. Haskell also said he would find another network for the pageant and that at least four other networks had already expressed interest in airing the show.
Reports do not mention the Christian hatemongering, suggesting instead that low ratings were the cause of the dispute.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Female Force: Charlaine Harris - True Blood
For most of the more than 20 years that Charlaine Harris has spent writing mysteries, she fit squarely into that genre. She had her fans, but she was nowhere near a household name. Then, she created a character called Sookie Stackhouse and everything changed. Sookie Stackhouse is now the featured character on HBO's Southern-Gothic vampire hit, True Blood. And Harris, who will release her tenth Sookie Stackhouse book this summer, is a household name.
This May, Harris will also star in her first comic book, as the subject of Bluewater Productions' latest entry in its popular Female Force line of biographical comics. Harris herself participated in Female Force: Charlaine Harris, granting extensive interviews to writer, Kim Sherman. This marks an important first for Bluewater - Harris is the first celebrity to be interviewed for the Female Force series.
This book is an especially appropriate one for Sherman. Earlier, she wrote Bluewater's Fame: Robert Pattison, profiling the actor who stars as the vampire with a conscience in the hit Twilight movies. In profiling Harris, Sherman is again exploring the world of literary vampires.
Female Force: Charlaine Harris traces the writer's career from the publication of the lighthearted Aurora Teargarden mysteries to the phenomenon of her vampire-infused Sookie Stackhouse stories.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Image's TURF (2010)
Berkeley, CA -- British television and radio personality Jonathan Ross makes his comics writing debut at Image Comics this April with TURF, an all-new, four-issue miniseries co-created and illustrated by Marvel 1985's Tommy Lee Edwards. Set in 1920s New York, TURF offers a twist on the hardboiled crime thriller, adding vampires and aliens to the traditional mix of booze, broads, and bullets."As anyone who has seen Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and my documentaries, like Searching for Steve Ditko, knows, working on my own comic has long been a dream of mine," Ross explained. "Collaborating with a talent of Tommy's caliber has made the whole experience that much sweeter, and we're looking forward to introducing the comics reading public to our mad war between gangsters and vampires – and the extraterrestrial who will either save or destroy them all."
TURF begins in Prohibition-era New York as a vengeful gang war erupts between booze-smuggling mobsters and the bloodthirsty Dragonmir Family. As an ancient prophecy unfolds amidst the maelstrom of violence, the entire city is up for grabs and it's anyone's guess who will come out on top. The only glimmer of hope is an unlikely alliance between tough guy, Eddie Falco, and a stranger from another world.
"I've been looking forward to this April since Jonathan and Tommy first pitched TURF to me over breakfast in San Diego last summer!" said Image Comics Publisher, Eric Stephenson. "Jonathan really has come up with a fantastic story and we couldn't be prouder to be publishing it through Image. Watching Tommy bring his vision to life has been one of the best parts of my job over the past few months and I can't wait for everyone to finally see the finished product!"
Added Edwards, "Having illustrated some of pop culture's biggest icons, like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and James Bond, it's incredibly liberating to be able to create a whole new world with Jonathan. TURF doesn't look or read like anything I've worked on in the past, and I believe fans on the lookout for something new and different are going to be very happy this April."
TURF #1, a 32-page, full-color comic book with a cover price of $2.99, will be available for order in the February issue of Previews and goes on sale April 7th.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
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